Back movie to DVD RW Pioneer DVR-A06 and re-use DVD RW later

[dvdblue]

I just purchased this great DVD +/-RW drive/writer and it's cool.

I have tried to copy one of my DVD's onto a DVD -R and it worked flawlessley - just time consuming. But, a perfect backup nonetheless.
Tools used - DVD Shrink and Instant Copy.

My question is, how do I do the same using a DVD RW?
I tried. But, I formatted the DVD RW first and it would not allow me to make the copy. Why not? Can I reconvert the DVD RW so I can recopy/rewrite movies and other data/music? If so, how?

What preparations (if any) do I need to do before copying to DVD RW?
Once I close the disc, can I still format and rewrite?
Once I have written a DVD RW, how do I erase to re-use again for a movie bckup?

I am a noob and would appreciate some concise feedback (I have read the forum details and it looks do'able. But, I need someone to consolidate how to do what I need please).

Thanks,
dvdblue

[SLK001]

I don't know why you formatted the thing. That's a function you will do if you want to store DATA on the thing.

Just slip the thing back into your drive, ERASE it (less than 2 minutes), then just record normally.

[dvdblue]

I don't know why you formatted the thing. That's a function you will do if you want to store DATA on the thing.

Just slip the thing back into your drive, ERASE it (less than 2 minutes), then just record normally.

Thanks SLK001 for the feedback. But, what tool(s) can I use which are free to erase? Will this give me a DVD RW disk which is ready to backup my movies to?

Thanks,
dvdblue

[noki]

dvdblue
yes to your last ? use nero or dvdinfo to erase the dvdrw. if IC has a burning engine it might already have a utility to erase also. good luck

[dvdblue]

Thanks. But, can I still erase a DVD RW disk if I have closed/finalized it?

dvdblue.

[SLK001]

DVD-Video is always DAO (disc at once) writing mode, so it is always finalized.

So, "yes", you can.

[dvdblue]

Thanks SLK001 - appreciate your help

[Cirrus]

Erasing (or blanking) a DVD-RW will put it back to a clean state, like a un-used DVD-R. I'm not sure if you can use a Quick erase or wether it will need a full erase (about 30 mins) to work properly.